I think that consoles (at least in first few hardware revision of given generation) are in somewhat special category. The hardware strongly looks like the engineering was primarily optimized optimized for time to market (see for example the amount of EMC shielding in both Xbox One and Series, which strongly suggest that the design target was to minimize the time spent on EMC (pre)conformance testing while ignoring the price of the thing).

Which is so frustrating, as nobody would check the box for a 0.02% discount to avoid having to change batteries.

True, but it's the difference between making a single product that's identical and consistent, versus a made-to-order item. Inevitably when making a single high volume product, engineering decisions are made which reduce the envelope of theoretical potential capability compared made-to-order.

Right now I can go to the store and grab a console. If I'm not alright with a car on the lot of a dealer, I'm selecting exactly what I want, paying a bunch more, and waiting many weeks to take delivery. It's hugely more complicated from a manufacturing and supply chain standpoint - simply a different operating model.

I'd love to know who would willingly pay $234.65 for a console with "value engineed" nickle and diming rather than paying $238.87 for a few decent components

You don't decide to buy an xbox rather than a playstation because it's 5 bucks cheaper.

This applied to every single parts/designs so finally accumulated to dozens of dollars. IMO they shouldn't rely on external reliable clock.